Dear Free Wanderer,
How is your heart and soul during this time?
It's important now, more than ever, that we are taking deep care of our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls. One of my wishes for all of us is that we can use this time of stillness, the void, to learn to nourish ourselves and to build new habits of deep self care. Whatever that means for us. Perhaps it's making your favorite foods that bring joy, getting lots of rest and sleep (or being a night owl!), exercising in a new way, dancing more, getting into nature, or any other activity that just purely brings you happiness and pleasure! What is it that brings you joy? Can you possibly incorporate more of that into these stressful and fearful times?
In addition to finding time for life's nourishments and pleasures, another wish of mine is that we all learn to sit in the darkness.
Darkness is such a teacher. Traditionally we fear or vilify the dark, because within it is the unknown, the shadow, the never-seen. However, we can learn to see in the dark. We can learn to harness night vision.
In this time of darkness, and stillness, much is being revealed. Fears are coming to the surface. Triggers are on high alert. The things we haven't wanted to face are there, waiting for us. We usually cover them with distraction, and we may still be doing that during this time. But they are there...waiting. What would happen if you stopped for a moment, to look at them?
If you watched my recent video on YouTube, you know that I feel we are in a great time of death and rebirth. We are currently in the death phase: the darkness, the pain, the fear; old ways of being and ways of living are dying. They are dissolving in front of our eyes; some may be temporary, others will be lasting. We see this on a collective level but we can also find it individually.
Ask yourself: What is dying in my life right now? Of what can I let go? What am I being forced to shift or change? If nothing seems clear right now, then can you sit in the darkness and be okay with not knowing?
Just as the caterpillar doesn't resist its ultimate "death" as it transforms into the butterfly, we don't have to resist the change that is coming for us. What could it feel like, look like, to embrace the darkness? What would it be like to attempt to cultivate a trust that rebirth is coming, and surrender to it?
We will be exploring this topic deeply to cultivate our night vision through reflection, movement, and ritual next Tuesday, April 7th, on the full moon. We will meet online in circle: all genders welcome. Please see below for details.
For other online yoga classes and self-care practicesnthis week, please stay connected with me on social media and see the schedule below.
Love,
Jen
P.S. The above are suggestions and just one perspective for viewing this time. Keep in mind, there is no wrong way to feel during this time. Learning to see in the dark, is being with it all. I welcome your thoughts, hopes, and fears. Simply hit reply if you feel called to share or need a supportive ear.